Know the basics

What is syndrome of inappropriate secretion of diuretic hormone?

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is a syndrome that affects your balance of water and mineral in your body, especially sodium.

ADH is a substance produced naturally by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. This hormone controls the amount of water your body loses through the urine.

ADH affects kidneys and vessels. Kidneys that affected by ADH will store and penetrates more water, reduce water excretion from the body. Because there are less amount of water in urine, urine will thicken. Blood vessels under the influence of ADH will narrow / contraction makes blood pressure higher and water penetrates more to cells.

Too much ADH will lead to SIADH. The body can’t get rid of water (water retention) and has lower blood sodium levels.

How common is syndrome of inappropriate secretion of diuretic hormone?

SIADH rarely occurs in children. A majority of SIADH patient are with lung cancer or chronic lung disease. In addition, cardiovascular disease (such as high blood pressure) also increases the risk of SIADH.

Know the symptoms

What are the symptoms of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of diuretic hormone?

Early SIADH has no symptoms. However, untreated SIADH may cause:

Nausea or vomiting

Cramps or trembling hands, feet;

Depressed mood, memory impairment;

Uncomfortable;

Changes in personality, such as combativeness, confusion, and hallucinations;

Seizures, in some cases, can cause coma.

If by any reasons, serum sodium levels quickly fall, people will have worse symptoms and possible seizures.

There may be some signs or symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about a symptom, please consult your doctor.

When should I see my doctor?

These symptoms can easily be confused with other diseases. If you suspect yourself have SIADH, please go to the doctor to identify and treat early. Especially when you feel memory impairment and epilepsy, or diseases affecting daily life like makes you feel weak or tired very often.

Know the causes

What causes syndrome of inappropriate secretion of diuretic hormone?

The causes of SIADH include many different reasons. The direct cause is due to influences from the hypothalamus of the brain, which creates hormone ADH functions. Some types of malignant tumors such as lung cancer and chronic lung disease causing the body to produce more ADH. The cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure also are the cause of SIADH.

Know the risk factors

What increases my risk for syndrome of inappropriate secretion of diuretic hormone?

SIADH relate to hydrate and sodium level in your body. If one or both of them are imbalance, it may increases your risk for developing SIADH, risk factors include:

Low blood sodium levels

Having surgery or being treated for brain tumors;

Autoimmune disorders, lung cancer, or other chronic illnesses;

Meningitis;

Head injuries and traumatic brain injury.

Not having risk factors does not mean you can not get hamstring strains. These factors are for reference only. You should consult your doctor for more details.

Understand the diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.

How is syndrome of inappropriate secretion of diuretic hormone diagnosed?

SIADH can be cured by removing the cause (drug or tumor).

Water restriction allows serum sodium levels to rise normally. The maximum amount of water that people are allowed to drink is just slightly more than the amount of urine that they produce.

Some people may need a medicine called demeclocycline. In emergency situations, your physician may prescribe a strong diuretic such as furosemide to help get rid of excess fluids.

How is syndrome of inappropriate secretion of diuretic hormone treated?

The doctor can make a diagnosis with blood and urine tests that show that the body has too much water in relation to the amount of sodium. Other causes of low sodium levels, such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), must be ruled out before SIADH can be diagnosed.

Lifestyle changes & home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage syndrome of inappropriate secretion of diuretic hormone?

The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion :

Restrict the amount of water you drink. This may be the only treatment you need.

Understand the reason for your SIADH. If you treat the underlying cause, SIADH will go away.

Have regular follow-up serum sodium measurements;

Don’t assume that you have SIADH just because you have a low blood sodium level. Other disorders must be excluded.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.